Sunday, January 13, 2013

MARIMO : THE NEW PET (PLANT) TREND


Japanese Marimo Moss Balls
(Aegagropila linnaei)




It's not just a plant. In Japan, they actually keep it as a pet!!!



Marimo , also known as Cladophora ball, Lake ball or Moss Balls in English, is a species of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) found in a number of lakes in the northern hemisphere. A marimo is a rare growth form of the species where algae grow into large green balls with a velvety appearance. Colonies of such balls are only known to form in Japan.

Marimo is an iconic item of the Lake Akan in Hokkaido, Japan and have been protected since the early 1900's. The mysterious plant known as Marimo Habitats in the deepest reach of the Lake Akan. It is widely believed that Marimo can bring love, good luck and happiness to the caretaker. Therefore if one is willing to take care and nourish this rare species with love and patience, it will return one's love by making your wishes come true.

Taking care of a Marimo doesnt require much hassle. Thus, it is suitable for everyone.  Marimo can simply be kept in a container/aquarium filled with tap water, at room temperature. They can thrive with minimal light.  Marimo will adapt to this condition by floating to the top during the day in order to absorb more light and sink again after the sun has set.


Tank Requirements
A Marimo will thrive in any container of water half a gallon or larger with or without filtration or fertilizer. However when keeping this plant without a filter it is best to change the water every week or two. A bare bottom will help keep a cleaner appearance but large easy to clean stones will work as well. Your Marimo will also thrive in a large aquarium as well as long as they are not exposed to excessive lighting.
Compatibility
Marimo can be kept in any aquarium with any fish that are not known for eating plants. Marimo do very well with any shrimp who will go over and clean all of the detritus and left over food out of the hairy exterior. Your Marimo should be rolled regularly to prevent irregular growth.
Benefits in an Aquarium or Pond
Marimo will help reduce the amount of algae growth you get around the tank or on the walls of your pond. Marimo will also help remove the green water from ponds when few are rolling around on the bottom. It also helps keep your aquarium clean.
Growth Rate
Marimo grow very slowly, on average marimo will grow about 5 mm a year in optimum conditions. Marimo comes in various sizes, you will have an option to buy the small sized, medium sized or large sized Marimo. Marimo will grow over time from the center outward.